Kappabashi Street: Tokyo’s Kitchen Capital

Kappabashi Street is paradise for Japanese restaurant operators – and foodies – looking to buy kitchen equipment. This street is lined with dozens of stores selling any supply a chef may need: cutlery, cookware, chopsticks, restaurant furniture, uniforms, and ceramics. There is even a small cluster of curious shops, including Maizuru, that sells fake plastic food. You know those replicas of dishes displayed at the entrances of restaurants? Someone’s gotta make them! If you’ve ever dreamed owning realistic models of ice cream, stacked burgers, faux cell phones displaying cute pictures of dogs nestled into rice bowls, or tempura magnets, this is the place to come.

For me though, the best souvenirs to be had from Kappabshi are tableware items. There’s a wide selection of modern and traditional ceramics, glassware, and lacquerware. Dengama has one of the most prolific inventories of pottery that are crafted by local artisans. From tea cups to table settings, it’s easy to find a keepsake.

Chopsticks

Kawaii cell phones in food?

Kappabashi Ceramics

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Most stores are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday. The majority of businesses are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

GETTING THERE

Kappabashi Street is located in the Asakusa district of northeast Tokyo. The closest station is Tawaramachi Station on the Subway Ginza Line. Come out Exit 1, cross the street and make a right at the first intersection with a stoplight (this is where Dengama is located).

This visit can also easily be combined with a trip to nearby Senso-ji Temple. Start early at Senso-ji to avoid the crowds. If you’re facing the main temple, turn west (left) on to one of the side streets behind it and follow it for about 10 minutes until you hit Kappabashi (there will probably be signs for it). You can use Cutlery Tsubaya as a way-point for your GPS. You will be coming approaching the district from the northern side and can walk down it towards Tawaramachi Station. Click here for a Google Map walking route.»

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